Windshield wiper connector and assembly

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a windshield wiper assembly may include a support structure, a wiper blade connector assembly for connecting the support structure with a wiper arm of a vehicle, a wiper blade cover fittable over the wiper blade connector assembly, and a wiper blade strip secured to the underside of the support structure. The connector assembly may include a wiper blade connector, a wiper blade connector cover connected to the wiper blade connector and pivotable between an open position and a closed position, and a wiper blade connector adapter securable between the wiper blade connector and the wiper blade connector cover. The various embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly permit the embodiments of the wiper blade assembly to be connected with a plurality of wiper arm types.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/538,368 filed Jul. 28, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/587,111 filed on Nov. 16, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/625,335 filed on Feb. 1, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/646,498 filed on Mar. 22, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/651,435 filed on Apr. 2, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/671,539 filed May 15, 2018 the entire contents of each are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to wiper blades, connectors, andassemblies for connecting the wiper blade with a wiper arm of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

In an effort to improve upon the traditional, bracketed wiper blade, thebeam blade (or flat blade) was developed, keeping a lower profile andgenerally providing a more uniform distribution than most bracketedwiper blades. U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,341 to Edhe discloses an example beamblade known in the prior art. However, beam blades do not have thelateral stability of bracketed blades, and can have problems withwrapping (i.e. keeping contact between the outer edges of the wiperblade and windshield) when their curvature is too sharp for thewindshield. Accordingly, beam blades may be serve well for originalequipment (i.e. the wiper blades installed by manufacturers on cars thatare designed specifically for that car), but can experience problems oncertain vehicles if designed as aftermarket wiper blades (i.e.replacement blades designed to be used on a variety of differentwindshields where the manufacturer does not know what vehicle the bladewill be used on).

Moreover, wiper blade arms are not uniform from vehicle to vehicle, andaftermarket wiper blade manufacturers often need universal wiper bladeconnectors so as to connect aftermarket wiper blades with a variety ofwiper arm types, such as those shown in FIG. 153 herein.

The first generation of hybrid wiper blades developed improved on beamblade performance in these circumstances. These blades combine the useof brackets with a beam-like characteristics without creating problemswith banding. One such improvement of this hybrid wiper blade, using acombination of traditional brackets and either beams or flat brackets,was previously disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 13/776,376, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The instancedisclosure provides further improvements to hybrid wiper blades as wellas universal connectors and connector assemblies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in orderto provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of every embodiment disclosedherein. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements ofthe various embodiments nor delineate the scope of the disclosure. Itssole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure, inaccordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein, in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a wiper blade connector assemblymay be provided for connecting a wiper blade support structure with awiper arm. The wiper blade assembly may include a wiper blade connectorhaving a first portion, a second portion longitudinally opposed to thefirst portion, and a center portion defined between the first and secondportions. The wiper blade connector may include a pair of side wallsextending along at least some of the first, second, and center portions,each side wall having a top surface and a bottom surface. The wiperblade connector may also include a connector channel defined between thepair of side walls on the second portion of the wiper blade connector,and the connector channel may be dimensioned to accommodate at least aportion of the wiper arm. The wiper blade connector may further includea rivet cutout provided proximate the bottom surface and dimensioned toaccommodate a rivet on the wiper blade support structure. The wiperblade connector may additionally include a hook end stop providedproximate the bottom surface and distanced from the rivet cutout, thehook end stop positioned so as to abut the end of a hook-style wiperarm.

In further embodiment of the disclosure, a wiper blade connectorassembly may be provided for connecting a wiper blade support structurewith a wiper arm. The wiper blade assembly may include an embodiment ofa wiper blade connector. The wiper blade connector assembly may furtherinclude a wiper blade connector cover having a first portion and asecond portion longitudinally opposed to the first portion, the firstportion of the wiper blade connector cover pivotable with respect firstportion of the wiper blade connector, and the second portion of thewiper blade connector cover securable to the wiper blade connector.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a wiper blade assembly may beconnectable with a wiper arm, and the wiper blade assembly may includean embodiment of a wiper blade support structure and an embodiment of awiper blade connector assembly for connecting the wiper blade supportstructure with the wiper arm.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certainillustrative aspects of the embodiments of the disclosure. These aspectsare indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the disclosure may be employed and the various embodimentsare intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade assembly ofFIG. 1 without the wiper blade connector cover.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade assembly ofFIG. 2 without the wiper blade cover side sections.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade assembly ofFIG. 3 without the wiper strip.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade assembly ofFIG. 4 without the wiper blade connector.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade assembly ofFIG. 5 without the cover center section and without the primary rivet.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of theprimary frame.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the primary frame ofFIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the primary frame of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of the primary frame of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the primary frame of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 12 illustrates an opposing side view of the primary frame of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the primary frame of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the primary frame of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a primaryframe coupled with a secondary frame.

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the primary framecoupled with the secondary frame of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of the secondary frameconnector.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top perspective view of a secondary frameconnector half.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the secondary frame connector ofFIG. 17 .

FIG. 20 illustrates a back view of the secondary frame connector of FIG.17 .

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the secondary frame connector of FIG.17 .

FIG. 22 illustrates an opposing side view of the secondary frameconnector of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of the secondary frame connector of FIG.17 .

FIG. 24 illustrates a bottom view of the secondary frame connector ofFIG. 17 .

FIG. 25 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of asecondary frame.

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the secondary frame ofFIG. 25 .

FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of the secondary frame of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 28 illustrates a back view of the secondary frame of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the secondary frame of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 30 illustrates an opposing side view of the secondary frame of FIG.25 .

FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the secondary frame of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 32 illustrates a bottom view of the secondary frame of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of a longitudinal cross section of thesecondary frame of FIG. 25 and the secondary frame connector of FIG. 17.

FIG. 34 illustrates top perspective view of a two-piece secondary frameconnector.

FIG. 35 illustrates a front view of a longitudinal cross-section of afirst piece of the two-piece secondary frame connector of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 36 illustrates a front view of a longitudinal cross-section of asecond piece of the two piece secondary frame connector of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 37 illustrates a front view of a longitudinal cross-section of thesecondary frame of FIG. 24 and the secondary frame connector of FIG. 34.

FIG. 38 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of asecondary frame connected with a pair of tertiary frames.

FIG. 39 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of atertiary frame connector.

FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the tertiary frameconnector of FIG. 39 .

FIG. 41 illustrates a front view of the tertiary frame connector of FIG.39 .

FIG. 42 illustrates a back view of the tertiary frame connector of FIG.39 .

FIG. 43 illustrates a side view of the tertiary frame connector of FIG.39 .

FIG. 44 illustrates an opposing side view of the tertiary frameconnector of FIG. 39 .

FIG. 45 illustrates a top view of the tertiary frame connector of FIG.39 .

FIG. 46 illustrates a bottom view of the tertiary frame connector ofFIG. 39 .

FIG. 47 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of atertiary frame.

FIG. 48 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the tertiary frame ofFIG. 47 .

FIG. 49 illustrates a front view of the tertiary frame of FIG. 47 .

FIG. 50 illustrates a back view of the tertiary frame of FIG. 47 .

FIG. 51 illustrates a side view of the tertiary frame of FIG. 47 .

FIG. 52 illustrates an opposing side view of the tertiary frame of FIG.47 .

FIG. 53 illustrates a top view of the tertiary frame of FIG. 47 .

FIG. 54 illustrates a bottom view of the tertiary frame of FIG. 47 .

FIG. 55 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of atertiary frame connector.

FIG. 56 illustrates a top perspective view of the tertiary frameconnector of FIG. 55 connected to a secondary frame and a tertiaryframe.

FIG. 57 illustrates a bottom perspective view an embodiment of atertiary frame connector.

FIG. 58 illustrates a top perspective view of the tertiary frameconnector of FIG. 57 connected to a secondary frame and a tertiaryframe.

FIG. 59 illustrate a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of atertiary frame connector.

FIG. 60 illustrate a top perspective view of a tertiary frame connectorconnected to a secondary frame.

FIG. 61 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade connector assembly, including a wiper blade connector cover and awiper blade connector.

FIG. 62 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector assembly of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 63 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector assembly of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 64 illustrates a side view of the wiper blade connector assembly ofFIG. 61 .

FIG. 65 illustrates an opposing side back view of the wiper bladeconnector assembly of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 66 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade connectorcover of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 67 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector cover of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 68 illustrates a front view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 67 .

FIG. 69 illustrates a back view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 67 .

FIG. 70 illustrates a side view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 67 .

FIG. 71 illustrates an opposing side view of the wiper blade connectorcover of FIG. 67 .

FIG. 72 illustrates a top view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 67 .

FIG. 73 illustrates a bottom view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 67 .

FIG. 74 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade connectorof FIG. 61 .

FIG. 75 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector of FIG. 74 .

FIG. 76 illustrates a front view of the wiper blade connector of FIG. 74.

FIG. 77 illustrates a back view of the wiper blade connector of FIG. 74.

FIG. 78 illustrates a side view of the wiper blade connector of FIG. 74.

FIG. 79 illustrates an opposing side view of the wiper blade connectorof FIG. 74 .

FIG. 80 illustrates a top view of the wiper blade connector of FIG. 74 .

FIG. 81 illustrates a bottom view of the wiper blade connector of FIG.74 .

FIG. 82 illustrates a front view of a longitudinal cross-section of thewiper connector of FIG. 74 .

FIG. 83 illustrates a top perspective view of a wiper arm connected withthe wiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 84 illustrates a top perspective of a wiper arm connected with thewiper blade assembly of FIG. 83 with the wiper blade connector coverremoved.

FIG. 85 illustrates a top view of the wiper arm connected with the wiperblade connector of FIG. 84 .

FIG. 86 illustrates a front view of a longitudinal cross-section of thewiper arm connected with the wiper blade connector of FIG. 84 .

FIG. 87 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper arm connectedwith the wiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 83 and an embodiment ofa primary frame and primary frame rivet.

FIG. 88 illustrates a top perspective of an embodiment of a wiper armconnected with the wiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 61 .

FIG. 89 illustrates a bottom perspective of the wiper arm connected withthe wiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 88 .

FIG. 90 illustrates a top perspective of an embodiment of a wiper bladeconnector assembly, including a wiper blade connector cover and a wiperblade connector.

FIG. 91 illustrates a bottom perspective of the wiper blade connectorassembly of FIG. 90 .

FIG. 92 illustrates a bottom perspective of the connector cover of thewiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 90 .

FIG. 93 illustrates a bottom perspective of a wiper arm connected withthe wiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 90 .

FIG. 94 illustrates a top perspective view of a longitudinal crosssection of the wiper arm connected with the wiper blade connectorassembly of FIG. 90 .

FIG. 95 illustrates a bottom perspective of a wiper arm connected withthe wiper blade assembly of FIG. 90 .

FIG. 96 illustrates a top perspective view of the connector cover ofFIG. 92 .

FIG. 97 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the connector cover ofFIG. 92 .

FIG. 98 illustrates a front view of the connector cover of FIG. 92 .

FIG. 99 illustrates a back view of the connector cover of FIG. 92 .

FIG. 100 illustrates a top view of the connector cover of FIG. 92 .

FIG. 101 illustrates a bottom perspective of the connector cover of FIG.92 .

FIG. 102 illustrates a side view of the connector cover of FIG. 92 .

FIG. 103 illustrates an opposing side view of the connector cover ofFIG. 92 .

FIG. 104 illustrates a top perspective view of a wiper blade connectorassembly, including a connector cover, a connector and an adapter.

FIG. 105 illustrates a top perspective view of the wiper blade connectorassembly of FIG. 104 with the connector cover removed.

FIG. 106 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector assembly of FIG. 104 .

FIG. 107 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector assembly of FIG. 104 with the connector cover removed.

FIG. 108 illustrates a top perspective view of the adapter of the wiperblade connector assembly of FIG. 104 .

FIG. 109 illustrate a bottom perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 108.

FIG. 110 illustrates a front view of the adapter of FIG. 108 .

FIG. 111 illustrates a back view of the adapter of FIG. 108 .

FIG. 112 illustrates a side view of the adapter of FIG. 108 .

FIG. 113 illustrates an opposing side view of the adapter of FIG. 108 .

FIG. 114 illustrates a top view of the adapter of FIG. 108 .

FIG. 115 illustrates a bottom view of the adapter of FIG. 108 .

FIG. 116 illustrates a top perspective view of the connector cover ofFIG. 104 .

FIG. 117 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the connector cover ofFIG. 116 .

FIG. 118 illustrates a front view of the connector cover of FIG. 116 .

FIG. 119 illustrates a rear view of the connector cover of FIG. 116 .

FIG. 120 illustrates a top view of the connector cover of FIG. 116 .

FIG. 121 illustrates a bottom perspective of the connector cover of FIG.116 .

FIG. 122 illustrates a side view of the connector cover of FIG. 116 .

FIG. 123 illustrates an opposing side view of the connector cover ofFIG. 116 .

FIG. 124 illustrates a top perspective of a wiper arm connected with thewiper connector assembly of FIG. 104 .

FIG. 125 illustrates a bottom perspective of the wiper arm connectedwith the wiper connector assembly of FIG. 124 .

FIG. 126 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade connector assembly.

FIG. 127 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector assembly of FIG. 126 .

FIG. 128 illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the wiperblade connector assembly of FIG. 126 .

FIG. 129 illustrates a top perspective view of a longitudinalcross-section of the wiper blade connector of the wiper blade connectorassembly of FIG. 126 .

FIG. 130 illustrates a top perspective view of a longitudinalcross-section of the wiper blade connector assembly of FIG. 126 .

FIG. 131 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of aprimary frame assembly including a primary frame, a mounting base and arivet.

FIG. 132 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the primaryframe assembly of FIG. 131 .

FIG. 133 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade cover.

FIG. 134 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the wiper bladecover of FIG. 133 showing a perspective view of a first side section, acenter section, and a second side section of the wiper blade cover.

FIG. 135 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper blade coverof FIG. 133 .

FIG. 136 illustrates a top view of the wiper blade cover of FIG. 133 .

FIG. 137 illustrates a bottom view of the wiper blade cover of FIG. 133.

FIG. 138 illustrates a front side view of a cover side section of thewiper blade cover of FIG. 134 .

FIG. 139 illustrates a back side view of the cover side section of FIG.138 .

FIG. 140 illustrates a side view of cover section of FIG. 138 .

FIG. 141 illustrates an opposing side view of the cover side section ofFIG. 138 .

FIG. 142 illustrates a top view of the cover side section of FIG. 138 .

FIG. 143 illustrates a bottom view of the cover side section of FIG. 138.

FIG. 144 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cover side sectionof FIG. 138 .

FIG. 145 illustrates a top perspective view of the cover center sectionof FIG. 134 .

FIG. 146 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cover centersection of FIG. 145 .

FIG. 147 illustrates a front view of the cover center section of FIG.145 .

FIG. 148 illustrates a rear view of the cover center section of FIG. 145.

FIG. 149 illustrates a top view of the cover center section of FIG. 145.

FIG. 150 illustrates a bottom perspective of the cover center section ofFIG. 145 .

FIG. 151 illustrates a side view of the cover center section of FIG. 145.

FIG. 152 illustrates an opposing side view of the cover center sectionof FIG. 145 .

FIG. 153 illustrates embodiments of various types of wiper armsengageable with embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly.

FIG. 154 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade connector.

FIG. 155 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector of FIG. 154 .

FIG. 156 illustrates a front view of the wiper blade connector of FIG.154 .

FIG. 157 illustrates a rear side view of the wiper blade connector ofFIG. 154 .

FIG. 158 illustrates a top view of the wiper blade connector of FIG. 154.

FIG. 159 illustrates a bottom view of the wiper blade connector of FIG.154 .

FIG. 160 illustrates a side view of the wiper blade connector of FIG.154 .

FIG. 161 illustrates an opposing side view of the wiper blade connectorof FIG. 154 .

FIG. 162 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade connector cover.

FIG. 163 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeconnector cover of FIG. 162 .

FIG. 164 illustrates a front view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 162 .

FIG. 165 illustrates a rear view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 162 .

FIG. 166 illustrates a top view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 162 .

FIG. 167 illustrates a bottom view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 162 .

FIG. 168 illustrates a side view of the wiper blade connector cover ofFIG. 162 .

FIG. 169 illustrates an opposing side view of the wiper blade connectorcover of FIG. 162 .

FIG. 170 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade adapter.

FIG. 171 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the wiper bladeadapter of FIG. 170 .

FIG. 172 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wiperblade connector.

FIG. 173 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of awiper blade connector cover.

FIG. 174 illustrates a side view of a wiper arm connected with a wiperblade support structure by a wiper blade connector assembly in a closedposition, the wiper blade connector assembly including an embodiment ofa wiper blade connector and the wiper blade connector cover of FIG. 173.

FIG. 175 illustrates a side section view of the wiper arm, wiper bladesupport structure, and wiper blade connector assembly in a closedposition of FIG. 174 .

FIG. 176 illustrates a side view of the wiper arm, wiper blade supportstructure, and wiper blade connector assembly in an open position ofFIG. 174 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate some embodiments of the disclosure for the purpose ofenabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use theseembodiments. As such, the detailed description and illustration of theseembodiments are purely illustrative in nature and are in no way intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. It should also beunderstood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and in certaininstances details may have been omitted, which are not necessary for anunderstanding of the embodiments, such as details of fabrication andassembly. In the accompanying drawings, like numerals represent likecomponents.

An embodiment of a wiper blade connector assembly may be provided forconnecting a wiper arm of a vehicle with a wiper blade, and the wiperblade connector assembly may include a wiper blade connector and a wiperblade connector cover. The wiper blade connector may have a first sideportion, a second side portion, and a center portion defined between thefirst and second side portions. The wiper blade connector may include apair of side walls, each side wall provided along the edge of the firstside portion and the center portion, and each side wall having a topsurface and a bottom surface. The wiper blade connector may also includea pair of connector cover holes, each connector cover hole provided onan opposing side wall at the first side portion. The wiper bladeconnector cover may have a first portion and a second portion, the wiperblade cover including a pair of connector hole rods, each connector holerod projecting from an opposing inner surface in the first portion. Aconnector cover axis may be fine defined through the pair of connectorcover holes. Each connector hole rod may be connectable with the one ofthe connect cover holes, and the wiper blade connector cover ispivotable about the connector cover axis between an open position and aclosed position.

In further embodiments, the wiper blade connector further includes ashelf provided on the second side portion, the shelf including a pair ofwings and a center section defined between the wings. A connectorchannel may be defined over the center section of the shelf and betweenthe pair of side walls, and the connector may be capable of receiving awiper arm along the connector channel. The connector cover may include apair of connector cover tabs each provided on the second portion of theconnector cover, and at least one connector cover tab may engage withthe underside of a wing as the connector cover is in the closedposition. One of the pair of wings may extend longitudinally furtherthan the other wing. The connector cover may include at least oneadditional connector tab provided on the first portion of the connectorcover. The bottom surface of the sidewalls may be positioned at a lowerposition at the first side portion than at a higher position at thesecond side portion, and the higher position of bottom surface of thesidewalls is co-planar with the underside of the wings. A rivet cutoutmay be provided in the center portion between the higher and lowerpositions of the bottom surface of the sidewalls. An outward protrusionmay be provided on the center portion of each side wall between therivet cutout and the first side portion. The top surface of at least onesidewall at the first side portion may be angled downward from the topsurface from the at least one side wall at the center portion. At leastone sidewall of the connector may include an inner ledge at the firstside portion. The inner ledge may include a cutout. The connector covermay include a top surface and a resilient button connected to the topsurface by a cantilever. The connector cover may include at least oneconnector cover tab provided on the second portion of the connectorcover. The center section of the shelf may be formed as a cantilever.The center section further comprises a pillar having a lip, and thecenter section pillar may be capable of being pushed down if theconnector is engaged with a first wiper arm having a hook, and the lipof the pillar may be capable of engaging a rear tab of a second wiperarm.

An embodiment of a wiper blade connector assembly may be provided forconnecting a wiper arm of a vehicle with a wiper blade, and the wiperblade connector assembly may include a wiper blade connector, a wiperblade connector cover, and a wiper blade connector adapter. The wiperblade connector may have a first side portion, a second side portion,and a center portion defined between the first and second side portions.The wiper blade connector may include: a pair of side walls, each sidewall provided along the edge of the first side portion and the centerportion, and each side wall having a top surface and a bottom surface; apair of connector cover holes, each connector cover hole provided on anopposing side wall at the first side portion; and a shelf provided onthe second side portion. The wiper blade connector cover may have afirst portion and a second portion. The wiper blade connector cover mayinclude a pair of connector hole rods, each connector hole rodprojecting from an opposing inner surface in the first portion. Thewiper blade connector adapter may have a first portion and a secondportion. The wiper blade connector adapter may include a first clipprovided at the first portion and a second clip provided at the secondportion and engageable with an underside of the shelf. A connector coveraxis may be defined through the pair of connector cover holes. Eachconnector hole rod may be connectable with the one of the connect coverholes, and the wiper blade connector cover may be pivotable about theconnector cover axis between an open position and a closed position. Thewiper blade connector adapter may be connectable with the wiper bladeconnector and, when connected with the wiper blade connector, positionedbetween the wiper blade connector and the wiper blade cover as the wiperblade cover is in the closed position.

In further embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly, the wiperblade connector adapter may include a top surface and a resilient buttonconnected to the top surface by a cantilever. The wiper blade connectoradapter may include a bottom surface having a lower position and ahigher position, the lower position adjacent the shelf and the higherposition adjacent the upper surface of the side walls of the connectoras the adapter is connected with the connector.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a wiper blade connector assemblymay be provided for connecting a wiper blade support structure with awiper arm. The wiper blade assembly may include a wiper blade connectorhaving a first portion, a second portion longitudinally opposed to thefirst portion, and a center portion defined between the first and secondportions. The wiper blade connector may include a pair of side wallsextending along at least some of the first, second, and center portions,each side wall having a top surface and a bottom surface. The wiperblade connector may also include a connector channel defined between thepair of side walls on the second portion of the wiper blade connector,and the connector channel may be dimensioned to accommodate at least aportion of the wiper arm. The wiper blade connector may further includea rivet cutout provided proximate the bottom surface and dimensioned toaccommodate a rivet on the wiper blade support structure. The wiperblade connector may additionally include a hook end stop providedproximate the bottom surface and distanced from the rivet cutout, thehook end stop positioned so as to abut the end of a hook-style wiperarm.

In further embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly, the topsurface of the side walls at the first portion may be downwardly angledwith respect to the top surface of the side walls at the center portion,and the top surface of the side walls at the center portion may beco-planar with the top portion of side walls at the second portion. Theinner surface of at least one side wall at the first portion may includean inner ledge, and the inner ledge may include a primary frame cutout.The bottom surface of the side walls at the first portion may becoplanar with the bottom surface of the side walls at the centerportion. The bottom surface of the side walls at the center portion maybe at a different elevation than the bottom surface of the side walls atthe second portion. The rivet cutout may be provided proximate thecenter and second portions, and the hookend stop may be provided on thesecond portion. An upper lip may extend into the upper channel andconnected by a cantilever with the hookend stop. The rivet cutout mayinclude a rivet clip and a rivet passage forming an “L” shape.

An embodiment of a wiper blade connector assembly may be provided forconnecting a wiper blade support structure with a wiper arm. The wiperblade assembly may include an embodiment of a wiper blade connector. Thewiper blade connector assembly may further include a wiper bladeconnector cover having a first portion and a second portionlongitudinally opposed to the first portion, the first portion of thewiper blade connector cover pivotable with respect first portion of thewiper blade connector, and the second portion of the wiper bladeconnector cover securable to the wiper blade connector.

In further embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly, the wiperblade connector may include a shelf provided on the second portion ofthe wiper blade connector, the shelf may include a center sectionaligned with the connector channel and at least one wing may be providedproximate to one of the side walls. The wiper blade connector cover mayinclude at least one connector cover tab provided on the second portionof the wiper blade connector cover, and the at least one connector covertab may be engageable with the at least one wing to secure the wiperblade connector cover in a closed position. The top surface of the sidewalls at the first portion of the wiper blade connector may bedownwardly angled with respect to the top surface of the side walls atthe center portion of the wiper blade connector, and the top surface ofthe side walls at the center portion of the wiper blade connector may beco-planar with the top portion of side walls at the second portion ofthe wiper blade connector. The bottom surface of the side walls at thefirst portion of the connector cover may be coplanar with the bottomsurface of the side walls at the center portion of the connector cover,and the bottom surface of the side walls at the center portion of thewiper blade connector cover may be at a different elevation than thebottom surface of the side walls at the second portion of the wiperblade connector. An underside of the at least one wing may be coplanarwith the bottom surface of the side walls at the second portion of thewiper blade connector. The wiper blade connector cover may include atleast one rear cover tab provided on the first portion of the wiperblade connector cover, and the wiper blade connector may include anoutward protrusion extending from an outer surface of one of theconnector side walls. The at least one rear cover tab may be engageablewith a bottom side of the protrusion when the cover is in the closedposition. The first portion of the wiper blade connector may include apair of connector cover receiving holes and the first portion of thewiper blade connector cover may include a pair of connector hole rodsprojecting inwardly and engageable with the connector cover receivingholes. An underside of the wiper blade connector cover includes a hookstop. The wiper blade connector cover may include a bottom surface at afirst elevation at the first portion of the wiper blade connector coverand at a second elevation at the second portion of the wiper bladeconnector cover. The wiper blade connector cover may include a buttoncantilevered to a top surface of the wiper blade connector cover, and adistal edge of the button projects upward from the top surface of thewiper blade connector cover and includes a chamfered surface.

Embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly may further include awiper blade connector adapter having a first portion and a secondportion longitudinally opposite the first portion, the wiper bladeconnector adapter may be securable between the wiper blade connector andthe wiper blade connector cover. The wiper blade connector may include ashelf provided on the second portion of the wiper blade connector, theshelf may include a center section aligned with the connector channeland at least one wing provided proximate to one of the side walls. Thewiper blade connector adapter may include a first clip provided on thefirst portion of the wiper blade connector adapter and a second clipprovided on the second portion of the wiper blade connector adapter. Thefirst clip may be insertable through the connector channel and a distaledge of the second clip may be engageable with an underside of thecenter section of the shelf. The wiper blade connector cover may includeat least one connector cover tab provided on the second portion of thewiper blade connector cover, and the at least one connector cover tabmay be engageable with the at least one wing to secure the wiper bladeconnector cover in a closed position. The wiper blade connector adaptermay include adapter side walls having a bottom edge which contact thetop surface of the connector side walls for at least part of the secondportion of the wiper blade connector.

An embodiment of a wiper blade assembly may include a wiper strip, asupport structure, a wiper blade connector assembly connectable with thesupport structure, a wiper strip connectable with the support structure,and a wiper blade cover connectable with the support structure. Thewiper blade connector assembly may include any embodiment disclosedherein of a wiper blade support structure, including embodiments wherethe wiper blade connector assembly may include a wiper blade connectorand a wiper blade cover pivotable with respect to the wiper bladeconnector between an open and a closed position.

An embodiment of a support structure for a wiper blade assembly mayinclude a primary frame, a secondary frame, and a tertiary frame. Theprimary frame may have first and second longitudinal ends, a first sideportion defined proximate the first longitudinal end, a second sideportion defined proximate the second longitudinal end, and a centerportion defined between the first and second side portions. Thesecondary frame may be connected with the second side portion of theprimary frame. The secondary frame may have first and secondlongitudinal ends, a first side portion defined proximate the firstlongitudinal end, a second side portion defined proximate the secondlongitudinal end, and a center portion defined between the first andsecond side portions. The tertiary frame may be connected with thesecondary frame at the first side portion of the secondary frame.

In further embodiments of a support structure, the primary frame mayinclude side walls at each portion, the side walls at the center portionmay be positioned further laterally inward than the side walls at theside portions. The primary frame may further include a plurality ofcover engagement projections, each cover engagement projection may beprovided on one of the side walls at one of the side portions andpositioned proximate the center portion. The second side portion of theprimary frame may include a top surface between the side walls. Eachside wall at the center portion of the primary frame may include aprimary hole positioned above the top surface of the second sideportion. Each side wall at the center portion of the primary frame mayinclude a pair of stops, with one stop provided on each side of theprimary hole.

In still further embodiments of a support structure, the secondary framemay be connected with the primary frame at the center portion of thesecondary frame. The support structure may further include a secondaryframe connector. The secondary frame connector may include a secondaryframe connector rivet and a secondary connector structure, which mayinclude an interior passage dimensioned to accept insertion of thesecondary frame connector rivet and a pair of side openings dimensionedto accept insertion of the center portion of the secondary frame. Theprimary frame may include a pair of secondary frame connector holes atthe second side portion. The secondary frame connector rivet may bemutually insertable through the secondary frame connector holes and theinterior passage along a secondary connector axis. The secondary framemay be pivotable with respect to the primary frame about the secondaryconnector axis. The center portion of the secondary frame may include avalley. The secondary frame may include a pair of central holes with onecentral hole provided on each side of the valley, and the secondaryconnector structure may include a pair of interior projections eachengageable with one of the central holes. The secondary connectorstructure may be composed of two, connectable halves. The first sideportion of the secondary frame may be obtusely angled from the centerportion of the secondary frame. The secondary frame may include astrengthening bead extending over a top surface of the secondary framealong the first side portion and the center portion. The secondary framemay include a first strengthening bead on a top surface of the secondaryframe along the first side portion of the secondary frame, a secondstrengthening bead on the top surface of the secondary frame along thefirst side portion and the center portion of the secondary frame, and athird strengthening bead on the top surface of the secondary frame alongthe second side portion. The tertiary frame may be connected with thesecondary frame between the first and second strengthening beads. Theprimary frame may be connected with the secondary frame between thesecond and third strengthening beads. The center portion of thesecondary frame may include a valley and a pair of central holesprovided between the second and third strengthening beads. The supportstructure may include an additional tertiary frame connected with thesecondary frame at the second side portion of the secondary frame.

In still further embodiments of a support structure, the supportstructure may include a tertiary frame connector having a top portion, abottom portion, and a neck portion defined between the top and bottomportions. The secondary frame may include a tertiary connector hole andthe tertiary frame may include a central connector hole, and the neckportion may be mutually receivable through both the tertiary connectorhole and the central connector hole. The top portion may be positionedproximate the secondary frame and the bottom portion is positionedproximate the tertiary frame. The tertiary frame connector may include acap at the top portion positioned over a top surface of the secondaryframe, and a pair of wings at the bottom portion positioned beneath anunderside of the tertiary frame. A top surface of the wings may berounded. The cap may include a pair of underside projections provided onan underside of the cap, the underside projections oriented orthogonallyfrom the wings. The neck portion may include a central gap definedbetween a pair of side walls, the central gap extending into the bottomportion. The neck portion may include a central gap defined between apair of side walls, the central gap extending into the top portion. Thetertiary frame may include a pair of side portions and a centralconnector hole provided where the side portions join. The tertiary framemay include a pair of side walls each provided on a lateral edge of thetertiary frame proximate the central connector hole. Each side portionmay include a strengthening bead.

An embodiment of a support structure for a wiper blade may include aprimary frame, a secondary frame, a secondary frame connector, a firsttertiary frame, a first tertiary frame connector, a second tertiaryframe, and a second tertiary frame connector. The primary frame may havefirst and second longitudinal ends, a first side portion definedproximate the first longitudinal end, and a second side portion definedproximate the second longitudinal end. The secondary frame may havefirst and second longitudinal ends, a first side portion definedproximate the first longitudinal end, a second side portion definedproximate the second longitudinal end, and a center portion definedbetween the first and second side portions. The secondary frame may beconnected with the second side portion of the primary frame at thecenter portion of the secondary frame, and each side portion of thesecondary frame may include a tertiary connector hole. A secondary frameconnector may include a secondary frame connector rivet and a secondaryconnector structure, which may include an interior passage dimensionedto accept insertion of the secondary frame connector rivet and a pair ofside openings dimensioned to accept insertion of the center portion ofthe secondary frame. The first tertiary frame may be connected with thefirst side portion of the secondary frame, and the tertiary frame mayinclude a central connector hole. The first tertiary frame connector mayhave a top portion, a bottom portion, and a neck portion defined betweenthe top and bottom portions, and the neck portion may be mutuallyreceivable through both the tertiary connector hole of the firsttertiary frame and one of the central connector holes of the secondaryframe. The second tertiary frame may be connected with the second sideportion of the secondary frame. The second tertiary frame connector mayhave a top portion, a bottom portion, and a neck portion defined betweenthe top and bottom portions, and the neck portion may be mutuallyreceivable through both the tertiary connector hole of the secondtertiary frame and one of the central connector holes of the secondaryframe.

An embodiment of a wiper blade may include a support structure and awiper blade cover. The support structure may include a primary frame, afirst secondary frame, and a second secondary frame. The primary framemay have first and second longitudinal ends, a first side portiondefined proximate the first longitudinal end, a second side portiondefined proximate the second longitudinal end, and a center portiondefined between the first and second side portions. The first secondaryframe may be connected with the first side portion of the primary frame,and the secondary frame may have first and second longitudinal ends. Thesecond secondary frame may be connected with the second side portion ofthe primary frame, the secondary frame may have first and secondlongitudinal ends. The wiper blade cover may have first and second sidesections and a center section between the first and second sidesections, and the wiper blade cover may be attachable over the primaryand secondary frames.

In further embodiments of a wiper blade, the primary frame may includeside walls at each portion, the side walls at the center portion may bepositioned further laterally inward than the side walls at the sideportions, and a plurality of cover engagement projections, each coverengagement projection may be provided on one of the side walls at one ofthe side portions and positioned proximate the center portion. Each sidesection of the wiper blade cover may include a plurality of holes, eachhole engaging with one of the cover engagements. Each side section ofthe wiper blade cover may include a distal groove to engage with one ofthe longitudinal ends of one of the secondary frames. Each distal groovemay be defined by a ledge. The center section of the wiper blade covermay include a plurality of grips to engage with the underside ofsidewalls at the center portion of the primary frame. The center sectionof the wiper blade cover may include two wrap over portions, each wrapover portion may be provided at a longitudinal end of the centersection, each wrap over portion extending over the primary frame. Thecenter section of the wiper blade cover may include a recessed areaproximate one of the wrap over portions.

Various embodiments of a wiper blade assembly 10 and connection systemare disclosed herein. Embodiments of a wiper blade assembly may beconnectable with one or more wiper arm types 20 found on vehicles. Someof the many embodiments of wiper arm types 20 are shown in FIG. 153 .Wiper arm types may include one or more tongues, pins, hooks, orcombinations thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6 , a wiper blade assembly 10 may include asupport structure 100, a wiper blade connector assembly 200, a wiperblade cover 300, and a wiper blade strip 400. Generally speaking, and asdiscussed in further detail herein, any support structure 100 may beused with the disclosed concepts, including a traditional frame supportstructure, a beam support structure, a hybrid support structure havingboth traditional frames and beams or beam-like frames. As illustrated inFIG. 3-6 , the support structure 100 may include a primary frame 110,one or more secondary frames 130 connected to the primary frame 110, andone or more tertiary frames 150 each connected to a secondary frame 130.In the illustrated embodiments, a primary frame 110 is connected with asecondary frame 130 on opposing longitudinal ends 10A, 10B using asecondary frame connector 120, and two tertiary frames 150 are connectedwith each secondary frame 130 on opposing longitudinal ends 10A, 10Busing a tertiary frame connector 140. Each tertiary frame 150 may holdsor support the wiper strip 400. Persons of skill in the art willrecognize that the secondary frames may be modified to hold or supportthe wiper strip directly on one, or both, ends, in accordance with thedisclosed concepts. A wiper blade cover 300 may be provided to cover orshield the majority of the support structure 100 from weatherconditions. The wiper blade cover may be a single piece or, as shown inthe illustrated embodiment, multi-sectional. A wiper blade connectorassembly 200 may mutually connect with the support structure 100, on theone hand, and a wiper arm 20, on the other hand. The wiper bladeconnector assembly may include a wiper blade connector 210 and a wiperblade connector cover 230. As illustrated herein below, the wiper bladeconnector assembly may be configured to connect to several differenttypes of arms, and may form part of a connection system that includesone or more connector covers, and that may include an adapter. Personsof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed conceptsmay be practiced with any connector, adapter or connection system knownin the art or to be developed.

Reference in the disclosure to a longitudinal direction is intended torefer to the direction coinciding with longitudinal ends 10A, 10B.Reference to the lateral direction is orthogonal to the longitudinaldirection corresponding with the width of various components describedherein. Top surfaces or ends correspond to the direction or side closerto, for instance, connector assembly 200 while bottom surfaces or endscorrespond to the direction or side closer to, for instance, the wiperstrip 400. Proximal ends or sides correspond to the direction closest tothe portion of a wiper arm that connects to a vehicle. Distal ends orsides correspond to the direction or side furthest from the portion of awiper arm that connects to a vehicle. Inner ends or sides correspond tothe direction or side closest to the connector, primary rivet or centerof a wiper blade. Outer ends or sides correspond to the direction orside furthest from the connector, primary rivet or center of the wiperblade.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-14 , support structure 100 may include aprimary frame 110 which may be centrally provided within supportstructure 100. Primary frame 110 may be rigid. Primary frame 110 mayinclude a central portion 111 and a pair of side portions 112 extendingfrom central portion 111 in the longitudinal direction. Central portion111 may include a pair of side walls 113, which may be parallel withrespect to each other and orthogonal with the longitudinal direction ofthe wiper blade. Side portions 112 may each include a pair of side walls113 and a top surface 114. The side walls 113 of the center portion 111may positioned further laterally inward than the side walls 113 of theside portions 112. A narrower distance between the side walls 113 of thecenter portion 111 may facilitate rotation or rocking of a wiper bladeconnector assembly when connected with the primary frame 110. In someembodiments, the width or distance between side walls 113 of the sideportions 112 may be substantially similar to the width of a connectorcover 230 and/or the width of the center section of wiper blade cover300. In some embodiments the side walls 113 of the center portion 111may be the same width as the side walls 113 of the side portions 112,such as the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 131-132 . The primaryframe may be made out of any suitable material, including but notlimited to metals, such as steel or aluminum, plastics, and othersynthetic or composite materials.

Primary frame holes 115 may be provided on the top side of the widewalls 113 of the center portion so as to engage with a rivet. Persons ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed concepts maybe practiced with any method or structure for connecting a wiper bladeto a wiper arm known in the art or to be developed, including withoutlimitation, direct connections to wiper arms, using inward projectionsor outward projections in place of a rivet, the holes, clips, orrecesses receive projections or a rivet that is disposed on a connector,etc.

Stops 116 may be provided on the top side of the side walls 113 of thecenter portion adjacent to primary frame holes which may prevent orotherwise control the degree of pivoting or rocking of a connectedconnector assembly 200. The side walls may be sloped from primary frameholes 115 towards the base of the side walls. Alternatively, rectangularside walls, or any other desired shape of side walls may be used inaccordance with the disclosed concepts. Primary frame hole 115 may bepositioned above the top surface 114 of side sections 112.Alternatively, primary hole 115 may be positioned in line with, or lowerthan the top surface 114 of side sections 112. In the illustratedembodiment, four total stops 116 are provided, two on each side wall 113with one stop on each side of primary frame holes 115. One or moreprimary frame cover engagement structures, such as cover engagementprojections 117 may also be provided to facilitate engagement of primaryframe 110 with wiper blade cover 300. Primary frame cover engagementprojections 117 may be provided towards the bottom end side walls 113 onside portions 112 proximate or near center portion 111. Primary framecover engagement projections 117 may be capable of engaging with aportion of cover 300, and as discussed further herein may beparticularly capable of engaging with the center portion of amulti-sectional cover. Persons of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that any form of engaging a portion of the cover known in theart or to be developed may be used in accordance with the disclosedconcepts, including without limitation, having holes or recesses on theprimary frame which receive engagement projections from the coverportions, using claws or grips, or other form-fitting structures. Pivotextension walls 118 may be provided on the longitudinal ends of sideportions 112. These pivot extension walls 118 may each include aprimary-to-secondary hole 119 to facilitate engagement of a secondaryframe connector, and holes 119 may be aligned so as to mutually receivea rivet, rod, or other cylindrical component as part of a secondaryframe connector. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the disclosed concepts may be practiced with any method orstructure for connecting primary frame to a secondary frame known in theart or to be developed, including without limitation, direct connectionsbetween same, using inward projections or outward projections in placeof a rivet, the holes, clips, or recesses receive projections or a rivetthat is disposed on a secondary frame, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 15-16 , primary frame 110 may be connected witha secondary frame 130 by a secondary frame connector 120. A secondaryframe connector rivet 121 may be provided mutually through holes 119 ofthe primary frame 110 and a rivet passage 123 of a secondary connectorstructure 122 along a laterally defined secondary connector axis. Asdiscussed above, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the disclosed concepts may be practiced with any method orstructure for connecting primary frame to a secondary frame known in theart or to be developed.

Secondary frame connector 120 may include a base secondary connectorstructure 122 having one or more side openings 124 which may permitpassage of a portion of secondary frame 130 there through. As shown anddescribed in further detail herein, the portion of secondary frame 130which may be disposed within secondary connector structure 122 may havea groove or valley 136 conformingly shaped with secondary frameconnector rivet 121 and to further discourage separation of secondaryconnector structure 122 from secondary frame 130 once connected.Secondary connector structure 122 may be symmetrical about the secondaryconnector axis, and may thicker towards the center so as to accommodatethe rivet 121 and the inserted portion of secondary frame 130. Whileprimary frame 110 and secondary frame 130 are connected, the structureof secondary frame connector 120 may permit rocking or pivoting ofsecondary frame 130 with respect to primary frame 110 about thesecondary connector axis. Extension walls 118 may be dimensioned andshaped so as to provide clearance of secondary connector structure 122from the remainder of primary frame 110, including for instance topsurface 114, so as to permit this rocking or pivoting.

Secondary frame connector may be made out of plastic, or metal, or anyother suitable material known in the art or to be developed. Secondaryframe connector 120 may be a unitary structure, which may be moldedaround secondary frame 130. Alternatively, secondary frame connector maybe assembled from multiple parts. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 ,secondary frame connector 120 may be formed from two secondary connectorhalves 120 a by splitting the secondary connector frame along avertical, longitudinal plane. Side openings 124 may lead to a passageformed between secondary connector half structure 122 a and secondaryconnector half cylinder 128, which helps secure the valley 136 in thesecondary frame. The secondary frame connector half may further includeone or more projections 125, which may engage central holes 138 in thesecondary frame. Additional projections and recesses may be included ineach secondary connector half 120 a to further secure two secondaryconnector halves 120 a to each other. Two secondary connector halves 120a may be held together by a rivet 121, and/or or any other method ofsecuring two secondary connector halves known in the art or to bedeveloped, including but not limited to adhesives, being held togetherby the rivet within the extension walls 118 of the primary frame 110,projections that engage recesses, and other form-fit connections. Asdiscussed below with respect to FIGS. 33-37 , other methods of formingsecondary frame connectors may be practiced within the scope of thedisclosed concepts.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-32 , a secondary frame 130 may include a firstside portion 131, a second side portion 132, and a center portion 133.One or more side portions 131, 132 may be angled with respect to centerportion 133, and in the illustrated embodiment first side portion 131may be acutely angled downward from center portion 133, thereby formingan obtuse angle with same, while second side portion 132 may not be notangled. One or more side portions 131, 132 may further include one ormore strengthening beads 134. A strengthening bead 134 be providedlongitudinally along secondary frame 130. Three strengthening beads 134are provided in the illustrated embodiment: a first bead 134A provide onthe first portion 131 proximate to the longitudinal end 10A/10B; asecond bead 134B provided on the first portion 131 as well as centerportion 133, and spaced from first bead 134A; and a third bead 134C onsecond portion 132. Beads 134 may project or arc towards upwards fromthe top surface of the secondary frame 130. On the underside, beads 134may be hollow or recessed such that a uniform thickness is maintainedacross the secondary frame 134. By including beads 134, secondary framemay gain increased strength to resist failure from forces experienced bysecondary frame 130 during operation of the wiper blade. One or morebead holes 135 may be provided in a strengthening bead 134. Centerportion 133 may be partially curved into a valley 136 having aconforming shape with a secondary frame connector rivet 121. One or morecentral holes 138 may be disposed on either side of valley 136. Sideportions 131, 132 may also include a tertiary connector hole 137. Thetertiary connector hole 137 may be square, rectangular, oval, or anyother suitable shape that is dimensioned and shaped to engage with atertiary frame connector as described further herein. Side portions 131,132 may be the same length or have different lengths, as shown in theillustrated embodiment where side portion 131 is longer than sideportion 132. The outer end of first side portion 131 may engage withwiper cover 300 as described further herein, and thus extending thelength of side portion 131 may permit longer wiper blades and wiperblade covers. As illustrated in these figures, while not beams, thesecondary frames may be beam-like, and may be made from a resilientspring-elastic material, such as spring-elastic steel or other metals,or plastic. Alternatively, the secondary frames may be rigid, and madeout of any suitable material including metals and plastics. Persons ofskill in the art will recognize that different shapes and designs of thesecondary frames or other secondary force distribution structures may bepracticed in accordance with the disclosed concepts, including but notlimited to rigid traditional frames, other beam-like frames, or inembodiments wherein the secondary frames are replaced by beams.

With reference to FIGS. 33-37 , FIG. 33 illustrates a cross sectionalview of the secondary frame coupled to a secondary frame connector.FIGS. 34-37 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the secondaryconnector halves wherein the secondary frame connector 120 is split intohalves structures 122 a, 122 b along a lateral, longitudinal plane.Internal projections 125 in each connector half 122 a, 122 b may engageboth recesses 126 in the other half, and central holes 138 in thesecondary frame. Additionally inner projections 127 may be provided insecondary connector half structure 122 a to help secure valley 136against the secondary connector half structure 122 b. Again, persons ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed concepts canbe practices with any suitable design of a secondary frame connectorcurrently known in the art or to be developed.

Referring now to FIGS. 38-46 , one or more tertiary frames 150 may beeach connected with a secondary frame 130 by a tertiary frame connector140. In the illustrated embodiment, two tertiary frames 150 areconnected with secondary frame 130, one at each side portion 131, 132.The disclosure further contemplates just one tertiary frame 150connected at either side portion 131, 132.

Tertiary frame connector 140 may include a top portion 141, a bottomportion 142, and a neck portion 143 defined between the top and bottomportions. The neck portion 143 may be narrower than either top or bottomportions, and neck portion 143 may be dimensioned to fit within tertiaryconnector hole 137. Neck portion 143 may have a rounded outer surface tofacilitate rocking or pivoting of a tertiary frame 150 with respect tosecondary frame 130 about a tertiary pivot axis defined through tertiaryconnector hole 137. Top portion 141 may include a cap 144, which mayhave a substantially flat surface provided on the underside of cap whichmay contact a top surface of secondary frame 130. The cap 144 may besized and shaped such that it may be inserted through the tertiaryconnector hole 137 in the secondary frame 130. The cap may further besized and shaped such that when it is rotated 90 decrees relative to thesecondary frame, the respective lateral sides of the cap are larger thanthe lateral sides of the tertiary connector hole 137, and thus the cap144 helps secures the secondary frame 130 to the tertiary frame 150.Bottom portion 142 may include wings 145, which may be rounded or curvedon their top surfaces which may contact the underside of tertiary frame150. The bottom portion 142, including wings 145 may be sized and shapedsuch that they can be inserted into central tertiary connector hole 152in the tertiary frame. The bottom portion 142, including wings 145 maybe sized and shaped such when the tertiary connector 140 is rotated 90degrees the distance between the ends of the wings 145 is greater thanthe distance between the lateral sides of the central hole 152 such thatthe wings help secure the tertiary frame 150 to the secondary frame 130.Any suitable frame connector capable of connecting the secondary frameto the tertiary frame, including but not limited to the tertiary frameconnectors described below with respect to FIGS. 55-60 , and all othertertiary frame connectors known in the art or to be developed may beused within the scope of the disclosed concepts. Tertiary frameconnectors may be made out of any suitable material known in the art orto be developed, including but not limited to plastics and metals.

With reference to FIGS. 47-54 , a tertiary frame 150 may includetertiary side portions 151 and a center projecting from a centraltertiary connector hole 152. As discussed above, the central tertiaryconnector hole 152 may be shaped to allow the bottom portion 142 of thesecondary frame connector 140, to pass through in one orientation, andto secure it when the tertiary frame connector 140 is rotated 90degrees. The central tertiary connector hole may have any suitable sizeand shape complementary to the size and shape of the tertiary frameconnector. Side portions 51 may be acutely angled downward from centralhole 152, thereby forming an obtuse angle with the opposing tertiaryside portion. The respective side portions 151 may be symmetric, or maybe asymmetric, both as to length and angle of descent. At or proximateto the longitudinal end of each side portion 151 may be a claw 153dimensioned to grip a wiper strip 400. One or more beads 154 may also beprovided on one or more side portions 151 similar to beads 134 providedon secondary frame 130. A side wall 155 may also be provided on lateralends of tertiary frame 150 so as to block or shield the underside oftertiary frame 150 particularly near center hole 152 so as to protectthe bottom portion 142 of tertiary connector 140. The side walls 155 mayalso increase the rigidity of the tertiary frame 150. The disclosedconcepts may be practiced with tertiary frames may made out of anysuitable material known in the art or to be developed, including but notlimited to rigid and/or elastic metals and plastics.

FIGS. 55-60 illustrate alternative embodiments of tertiary connectorsand/or holes 137, 152 for receiving same. Referring to FIGS. 55-58 , anembodiment of a tertiary frame connector 140 may include a central gap147 through neck portion 143 that may extend into either bottom portion(as shown for example in FIGS. 55 and 56 ) or top portion (as shown forexample in FIGS. 57 and 58 ). The edges of central gap 147 may bedefined by tertiary frame connector side walls 146, which may beelastically deflectable inward. As shown in FIG. 55 , wings 145 mayproject outward from side walls 146, or from a base, as shown in FIG. 57. Wings 145 may project at an angle which may be acute (as shown forexample in FIG. 55 ) or substantially perpendicular (as shown forexample in FIG. 57 ). Wings 145 may be disposed adjacent to the bottomsurface of secondary frame 130 as a tertiary frame 150 is connected witha secondary frame 130, such that they are sized and shaped to hold thetertiary frame 150 to the secondary frame 130. In an embodiment wherethe gap 147 extends from the top portion 141, the cap 144 may be dividedinto separate portions which project outwardly from side walls 146 eachof which has a substantially flat bottom surface which conformingly fitswith the top surface of the secondary frame. In an embodiment where thegap 147 extends from the bottom portion 142, the cap 144 have asubstantially flat bottom surface to conformingly fit with the top sideof secondary frame 130. Embodiments may include either one or two wings145. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that tertiary frameconnectors 140 such as those depicted in FIGS. 55-58 may be insertedinto holes 137, 152 such that the side walls are deflected inwardlyuntil the wings 145 and/or cap 144 passes through the hole, and suchthat they snap into place once the wings 145 or cap 144 has passedthrough the holes 137, 152. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 57 anddiscussed above, the cap/wings may be inserted into holes 137, 152 androtated into a securing position. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 58 ,the holes 137, 152, may be generally “T” shaped, and may further have anarrower neck between the top bar of the T and the bottom portion of theT. Accordingly, the wings 145 and/or cap 144 may be inserted into thetop bar of the “T”, and then slid into place, whereby the side walls 146deflect enough to allow the tertiary connector to pass through thenarrower neck into the bottom portion of the “T”. Persons of skill inthe art will recognize that any suitable combination of shapes andstructures discussed herein may be combined and used within the scope ofthe disclosed concepts to securely connect frame to frame, whetherprimary, secondary or tertiary.

With reference to FIGS. 59 and 60 , an embodiment of tertiary frameconnector 140 may include a cap 144 with one or more undersideprojections 144 a. Underside projections 144 a may secure tertiary frameconnector 140 within tertiary connector hole 137 in secondary frame 130.As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of underside capprojections 144 a may be provided on opposing sides of neck portion 143,and cap projections 144 a may be longitudinally oriented within tertiaryconnector hole 137 when inserted therein. Tertiary connector hole 137may be sized and shaped to allow the bottom portion 142 of the tertiaryframe connector 140, including the wings 145 to pass through in oneorientation. The tertiary connector may then be rotated to fit theunderside projections 144 a within the tertiary connector hole 137, andthe cap 144 may be sized such that it does not fit through the tertiaryconnector hole 137.

Referring now to FIGS. 61-89 , a wiper blade connector assembly 200 maybe provided to connect support structure 100, and more particularly toconnect to with a wiper connector rivet 102 of a primary frame 110, witha plurality of types of wiper arms 20. Wiper blade connector assemblymay include a wiper blade connector 210 and a wiper blade connectorcover 230. Wiper blade connector cover 230 may be attached to the wiperblade connector 210 to assist with or facilitate securing a wiper arm 20inserted between the wiper blade connector 210 and the connector cover230 (shown more particularly in FIGS. 68-72 ). The pieces of theconnector assembly 200, including the connectors 210, adapters 250 andconnector covers 230 disclosed herein may be made out of plastic, or anyother suitable material or materials known in the art by a person ofskill in the art or to be developed. Additionally, a person of skill inthe art will recognize that these connector assemblies are exemplary,and that the disclosed concepts can be practiced with any suitableconnector assembly, including other connectors, adapters and connectorcovers.

Wiper blade connector 210 may include a first side portion 211, a secondside portion 212, and center portion 213. The first side portion may belocated on the distal end of the connector, while the second sideportion may be located on the proximal end of the connector. A side wall214 may be provided on each lateral edge of wiper blade connector 210over one or more of each portion 211, 212, 213, and may include innerportions as well as outer portions. In the illustrated embodiment, apair of side walls 214 are provided along first side portion 211 andcenter portion 213. The top surface 215 of side walls 214 at first sideportion 213 may be downwardly and acutely angled with respect to the topsurface 215 of side walls 214 at central portion 213. The bottom surface216 of side walls 214 may have varied elevations depending on theportion of the side walls 214. For instance, in the illustratedembodiment bottom surface 216 is positioned at a first elevation atfirst side portion 211 and center portion 213 proximate the first sideportion, while bottom surface 216 of the outer side wall is positionedat a second, higher elevation at center portion 213 proximate the secondside portion 212. Similarly, the bottom portion of the inner side wallis located at a lower elevation adjacent to a hook end stop 226. Betweenthe first and second elevations of bottom surface 216 may be a rivetcutout 217 to accommodate an inserted wiper connector rivet 102. Rivetcutout 217 may extend laterally between side walls 214 adjacent to arivet clip and a rivet passage disposed on the bottom of the centerportion 222 of the connector. The rivet clip and rivet passage may forman “L” shape, and rivet 102 may be snap fit insertable therein. In thefirst side portion 211, the inner surface of side wall 214 may includean inner ledge 218 including a primary frame stop cutout 219. As shownmore particularly in FIG. 87 , stops 116 on primary frame 110 may becontactable with bottom surface 216 at the second side portion 212,while stops 116 adjacent to the first side portion 211 may becontactable with stop cutouts 219 to prevent over rocking of connector210. In some embodiments stop cutouts 219 may be provided in the secondside portion.

On the first side portion 211, connector cover receiving structures,such as connector cover receiving holes 220 or recesses may be providedon each side wall 214. Each connector cover hole 220 may be engageablewith a connector hole rod 232 provided on an inner surface of connectorcover 230. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that thisrelationship may be reversed, such that the rods or projections are onthe connector 210 while the recesses or holes are on the connector cover230, and that any other suitable connection structure known in the artor to be developed can be used in accordance with the disclosedconcepts. On the second side portion 212, a shelf 221 may be providedwith having a center section 222 and lateral wings 223. Reinforcing ribsmay be located there between along the top surface of the shelf 221.Similarly, internal side walls 214 may form reinforcing ribs underneaththe bottom surface of the shelf 221. The center portion 222 of the shelf221 may be integrated with the lateral wings 223, as shown in FIGS.61-82 , or the center portion may be cantilevered and capable of movingrelative to the lateral wings 223, as shown in FIGS. 126-130 anddiscussed below. Connector cover tabs 234 may be provided on an innersurface of connector cover 230, and connector cover tabs 234 may beengageable by snap-fit with lateral wings 223, as shown in FIG. 61 .Alternatively, this relationship may be swapped, with claws orprojections on the connector 210 engaging holes, recesses or shelves onthe connector cover within the scope of the disclosed concepts.Connector cover 230 may rotate about a connector cover axis extendinglaterally through connector cover holes 220. In an open position,connector cover 230 may accommodate the insertion of a wiper arm 20 intoconnector 210, and then be rotated downward into a closed position tosecure the inserted wiper arm 20 with the connector cover 230 lockinginto the closed position by engagement of tabs 234 with wings 220. Oneor more side walls may also include an outward protrusion 224 positionedon the central portion 213 proximate the first side portion 211.

Connector cover 230 may include a first portion 231 and a second portion232 defined at longitudinally opposed ends. The first portion may belocated on the distal end of the connector, while the second portion maybe located on the proximal end of the connector. A pair of theaforementioned connector hole rods 233 may be provided on opposing innersurfaces in the first portion 231, with each rod 233 projecting inwardlyso as to engage hole 220. As previously discussed, this relationship maybe swapped, or any other suitable connection method known in the art maybe used. A pair of the aforementioned connector cover tabs 234 may beprovided on the second portion 232. As previously discussed, thisrelationship may be swapped, or any other suitable connection methodknown in the art may be used. Connector cover 230 may further include abottom edge 235. The bottom edge 235 may have a first, lower elevationat the first portion 231 of the connector cover 230, and a second,higher elevation, at the second portion 232. The change in elevation maybe made at 90 degree angles such that it acts as a stop for claws 23 ofa wiper arm 20.

Embodiments of connector cover 230 are generally shown and describedherein as substantially covering the length of embodiments of connector210 in a locked or secured position. However, embodiments whereconnector cover 230 only covers a significantly smaller portion ofconnector 210 are contemplated within the disclosure. For example,connector cover tabs 234 may engaged with first portion 211 of connector210 rather than second portion 212 as generally shown and described. Anexample of this shorter connector cover embodiment is shown as FIG. 13in U.S. Prov. Patent No. 62/538,368, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 83-87 , Wiper arms 20 having hooks 21 may be connectedwith wiper blade connector assembly 200 by placing the connector cover230 in an open position, inserting the hook end of the wiper arm 20 intothe connector 210, pulling the wiper arm 20 so that until it snugglyfits into a connector channel 225 and the end of the hook contacts ahook end stop 226 on the bottom side of connector 210, and rotatingconnector cover 230 into its closed position. On the underside surfaceof connector cover 230 may be a hook stop 236 to further secure thecurved end of the hook type warm in when connector cover 230 is in theclosed position.

As shown in FIGS. 88-89 , connector assembly 200 may also be connectedwith wiper arms 20 having openings 22 and/or underside ledges 23. Aresilient button 237 may be provided on the top surface of connectorcover 230. Button 237 may protrude upwards and be provided on acantilever on the top surface of connector cover 230. A wiper arm 20 mayengage with connector cover 230 by having button 237 inserted intoopening 22 while underside ledges 23 are fit underneath the bottomsurface 235, which may be the portion of bottom surface 235 with ahigher elevation on the second portion 232. The button 237 may have achamfered top surface to facilitate engaging with the opening 22.

With reference now to FIGS. 90-103 , an embodiment of connector assembly200 may include an embodiment of connector cover 230A connectable withconnector 210. Connector cover 230A may be longer than connector cover230. As such, connector 210 may include two different types of wings 223as part of shelf 221. Wings may include a first wing 223A longitudinallyprojecting first distance, while a second wing 223B may longitudinallyproject a second distance further than first. Additionally, a first wing223 may have a rounded corner, while a second wing 223B may have a morerectangular corner. Having two differently dimensioned wings 223A, 223Bmay allow for multiple sized connector covers 230 having differentlysized and/or positioned tabs 234 to be used with the same connector 210,and may further allow the connector 210 to connect to arms having anoffset engagement portion, and those having a linear engagement portion,as shown in FIG. 153 . Connector cover 230A may also include one or moreinner platforms 238 provided on the inner surface of connector cover230A at or proximate first end 231, which increase the thickness of theconnector cover side walls. Rods 233 may project from the platforms 238.

FIGS. 93-96 illustrate various types of wiper arms 20 connected with awiper blade connector assembly 200 including a wiper blade connector 210and a wiper blade connector cover 230A. FIGS. 94 and 95 illustrate awiper arm 20 having a wing members 24 and a front tongue 25. Connectorcover tabs 234 may be conformingly dimensioned secure wing members 24while front tongue 25 may be positionable between cover 230A andconnector 210. The wiper arm may fit over connector 210 and betweenconnector side walls 214 and cover 230A, and wiper arm 20 may pressagainst the edge of platform 238. FIG. 95 illustrates how a wiper arm 20having a rear tongue 25 may be accommodated, such that rear tongue 25may be insertable within channel 225.

With reference to FIGS. 104-123 , a wiper blade connector assembly mayinclude a wiper blade connector 210, and wiper blade connector cover230B, and a wiper blade connector adapter 250 connected betweenconnector 210 and connector cover 230B. Connector cover 230B may betaller than connector cover 230A. Adapter 250 may include a firstportion 251 and a second portion 252, a top surface 253 and a pair ofside walls 254. The first portion 251 may be located on the distal endof the adapter 250 while the second portion 252 may be located on theproximal end of the adapter 250. An adapter button 255 may project fromor be connected with top surface 253 from a cantilever. Adapter sidewalls 254 may include a bottom edge 256 which may have a staggered ordifferent elevations. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom edge 256 hasa higher elevation over first portion 251 than it does over secondportion 252. Moreover, the lower elevation bottom edge 256 may include acutout 257 to accommodate a projection from a wiper arm 20 as shownfurther herein. The higher elevation of bottom edge 256 may contact theupper edge 215 of connector 210, while the slower elevation of bottomedge 256 may contact the top side of shelf 221, and more particularlythe top side of wings 223. As shown in FIG. 114 , one side of the topsurface of the proximal end of the adapter 250 may be more curved, whilethe other end may be more rectangular. This may facilitate connectionswith arms that have the engagement portion offset such as wiper arm 20shown in FIG. 124 .

A first clip 258 may be provided at the first portion 251 of adapter250, and a second clip 259 may be provided at second portion 252. Firstclip 258 may project downwards and snap fit against the curved area,where a wiper arm hook 21 may fit as previously shown, of connector 210proximate rivet cutout 217. Second clip 259 may also project downwardsand clip the underside of shelf 221 at center section 222. One or bothof the first clip 258 and second clip 259 may be elastically deflectableto facilitate connection of the adapter 250 to the connector 210.

FIGS. 124 and 125 show an embodiment of wiper blade connector assembly200 having adapter 250 and connector cover 230B connected with a wiperarm 20 having opening 22. Cover tabs 234 may grip the edge of arm 22 inthe closed position, and tab 255 may engage the opening 22 in the wiperarm,. Accordingly, wiper adapter 250 may allow connector assembly 200 toaccommodate differently dimensioned wiper As 20, including those thatare larger or thicker. Use of adapter 250 may require a differentlydimensioned cover 350B at least having longer side walls.

Referring now to FIGS. 126-130 , an embodiment of connector assembly 200may include a connector 210A having a pillar 227 which may projectupwardly from shelf 221 between wings 223. Pillar 227 may becantilevered 228 to an upper lip 229 which may be resiliently engageablewith a tongue on wiper arm 20, as described further herein. The lip 229may be sized and shaped to engage with the rear tongue 25 of a wiperarm. Pillar 227 may an extension of hook end stop 226, whichcollectively may be a bent cantilever extending from the center ofconnector 210A proximate rivet cutout 217. Moreover, connector 210Ashows that a rivet window 217A may be used in place of a rivet cutout217. In this regard, a rivet window 217A may be provided adjacent to therivet passage and rivet clip, and rivet window may not extend throughlower edge 216. Cover 230A may also be provided with rear tabs 234A topress-fit connect with the lower edge 216 of side wall 214, potentiallyat protrusion 224.

As discussed previously, connector assembly 200 may be connected tosupport structure 100 and, more particularly, may be connected to aconnector rivet 102 secured on primary frame holes 115. FIGS. 131 and132 shows another embodiment of primary frame 110 whereby the mountingbase 111A is a separate piece from the rest of primary frame 110.Mounting base 111A may be securely attached to primary frame 110 viawelding, crimping, or any other method known to a person of ordinaryskill in the art. Mounting base 111A may have a lower profile and may beengaged at its longitudinal edges with adjacent side portions 112A, andside portions 112A may have adjoining side walls 113A which removalcentral portion 111A sits between.

With reference now to FIGS. 133-152 , a wiper blade cover 300 may beprovided to cover various components of the wiper blade, particularlysupport structure 100, from environmental conditions. Wiper blade cover300 may include a center section 310 and two side sections 330. Centersection may include side walls 312 between two wrap over portions 313which extend over the central portion 111 of primary frame 110 at thelongitudinal edges of center section 310. The cover center section maypreferably be made of a rigid, or hard plastic, while the cover sidesections may be preferably made from a rigid, hard plastic or anelastic, soft plastic. Persons of skill in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed concepts may include covers made from any suitablematerial or materials known in the art or to be developed, including butnot limited to plastics, rubbers, and silicone. One or more ribs 314 maybe provided on the inner surface of the center section 310. One or moreribs 316 may be provided along the bottom edge of side walls 312 toengage with the underside of side walls 113 of the primary frame 110 tofacilitate the securing of center section 310 to same. The grips 316 maybe provided on the end of ribs 314 on the inner side of side walls 312.Persons of skill in the art will recognize that the grips 316 describedherein are exemplary and that any structure for connecting and securingthe cover center section 310 to the primary frame 110 may be used.Center section side walls 312 may also have a recessed area 315 so asnot to interfere with the rocking or pivoting of a connected connectorassembly 200. Inner ledge 317 may have a downwardly sloped section 318descending at an acute angle adjacent the recessed area 315. Thedownwardly sloped section 318 may further have a narrow portion 319 suchthat the distance between the outer surfaces of the sidewall 112 at thenarrow portion 319 is less than the distance between the outer surfacesof sidewalls 312 at other portions of the cover center section 310.

Side sections 330 may include an outer end groove 332 dimensioned toreceive an outer end of a secondary frame 150. Outer groove 332 may bedefined by a ledge provided on the bottom side of side section cover330, with the ledge projecting inwardly throughout the distal end. Theouter edge of a secondary frame 150 may then fit on that ledge. Innerprojections 339 may be provided to engage holes in on the outer end ofsecondary frame, such as bead hole 135. One or more intermediary braces334 may also be provided within side section 330 to provide lateralsupport, and to secure the support structure 100, such as primary frame110. A downward projection 336 may be provided on the underside of theside section 330 proximate the center section 310 to engage the inneredge of the primary frame side portions 112, and to reduce gaps betweenthe wiper blade cover sections 310, 330 as the wiper blade moves and thesections 310, 330 may be forced apart. At or proximate to the centersection 310 may be one or more holes 337 to receive cover engagements117 on primary frame 110. The inner surface of the side wall of coverside section 330 may be recessed adjacent to holes 337 to facilitateinsertion of cover engagements 117. Tire treading 338 may also beprovided on an upper surface of side sections which may dually serve anornamental purpose as well as an aerodynamic purpose as the wiper blademoves. Alternatively, the cover may be provided with a spoiler, or anyother functional or aesthetic features known in the art or to bedeveloped, within the scope of the disclosed concepts. Persons of skillin the art will recognize that the cover design illustrated in thesefigures is exemplary and that the disclosed concepts may be practicedwith any suitable cover known in the art or to be developed.

Referring now to FIGS. 154-171 , further embodiments of a connectorassembly 200 are shown and described including a connector 210 b,connector cover 230 c, and adapter 250 a. FIGS. 154-161 illustrate anembodiment of a connector 210 b which includes a shelf opening or window222 a provided on the center portion 222 of shelf 221. One or morenotches 223 a may be provided on shelf 222, and more particularly onwings 223. As shown, the one or more notches 223 a may have asubstantially triangular cross section. The positioning and dimensioningof notches 223 a may receive the ends of projections on or claws havinga generally triangular or bent shape and may improve the secureinterface with corresponding latches on certain embodiments of a wiperarm 20. A bottom edge slot 216 a may also be provided to receive, andfurther secure, certain embodiments of a wiper arm 20. As shown in FIGS.155 and 156 , a primary frame stop cutout 219 may further be disposedfurther inward, i.e., closer to the pivot point, and correspondingadjustments may be made to the positioning of stops 116.

FIGS. 162-169 illustrate an embodiment of a connector cover 230 c.Connector cover tabs 234 b may include cutouts 239 to accommodate wiperarm claws or projections having a generally triangular or bent shape.Connector cover 230 c may further have triangular shaped supports on thelower side of tabs 234 b to increase support and facilitate securing thecover to the wiper arm. An underside wall may also be provided to abutportions of either a connector or adapter.

FIGS. 170 and 171 illustrate an embodiment of an adapter 250 a.Embodiments of adapter 250, 250 a may include clips 258, 259 which maybe inward facing, as illustrated in previous embodiments, or outwardfacing, as second clip 259 is shown in adapter 250 a. For instance, anoutward facing second clip 259 may engage with the shelf window 222 a ofconnector 210 b. An end stop 260 may also be provided at the end ofeither first or second portion 251, 252. As shown, an end stop 260 isprovided at first portion 251 proximate first clip 258. End stop 260 maylongitudinally project past first clip 258, may curl upwards towards topsurface 253, and may include a top wall 261 projecting away from topsurface 253 proximate the end of first portion 251. Top wall 261 maypress or abut against underside wall on cover 230 b, and may receive,abut, or otherwise act as a stop for an end of a wiper arm 20.Additionally, adapter 250 a may be provided with stop wall 262 which mayalso receive, abut, or otherwise act as a stop for an end of a wiperarm. The cutouts 257 in adapter 250 a may further be provided with stops263 that receive, abut, or otherwise act as stop for the projections orclaws of a wiper arm 20.

With reference to FIG. 172 , the primary frame stop cutout 219 may beprovided at the bottom surface of side walls 214 rather than on an innerledge. Moreover, wings 223 may extend from a longitudinal projection offside walls 214 a rather than from a shelf 221. Wings 223 may alsocontact a portion of lower edges 26 on side walls of a wiper arm 20.

With reference to FIGS. 173-176 , embodiments where connector cover 230may cover a significantly smaller portion of connector 210 arecontemplated within the disclosure. For example, connector cover tabs234 may engaged with first portion 211 of connector 210 rather thansecond portion 212 as generally shown and described. An upper tab 236 amay project from the underside and engage with a front tongue 24 of awiper arm.

The descriptions set forth above are meant to be illustrative and notlimiting. Various modifications of the embodiments, in addition to thosedescribed herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fallwithin the scope of the concepts described herein. Each patent, patentapplication and publication cited or described in this document arehereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.

The foregoing description of possible implementations consistent withthe present disclosure does not represent a comprehensive list of allsuch implementations or all variations of the implementations described.The description of some implementation should not be construed as anintent to exclude other implementations. For example, artisans willunderstand how to implement the embodiments in many other ways, usingequivalents and alternatives that do not depart from the scope of thedisclosure. Moreover, unless indicated to the contrary in the precedingdescription, none of the components described in the implementations areessential to the embodiments disclosed. It is thus intended that theembodiments be considered as illustrative, with a true scope and spiritof the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A wiper blade connector assembly for connecting awiper blade support structure with a wiper arm, the wiper bladeconnector assembly comprising: a wiper blade connector having a firstportion, a second portion longitudinally opposed to the first portion,and a center portion defined between the first and second portions, thewiper blade connector including a pair of side walls extending along atleast some of the first, second, and center portions, each side wallhaving a top surface and a bottom surface, a connector channel definedbetween the pair of side walls on the second portion of the wiper bladeconnector, the connector channel dimensioned to accommodate at least aportion of the wiper arm, a rivet cutout provided proximate the bottomsurface dimensioned to accommodate a rivet on the wiper blade supportstructure, and a shelf provided on the second portion of the wiper bladeconnector, the shelf including a center section aligned with theconnector channel and a wing provided proximate to one of the sidewalls; and a wiper blade connector cover having a first portion and asecond portion longitudinally opposed to the first portion, the firstportion of the wiper blade connector cover pivotable with respect to thefirst portion of the wiper blade connector, and the second portion ofthe wiper blade connector cover includes a connector cover tabengageable with the wing to secure the wiper blade connector cover in aclosed position.
 2. The wiper blade connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the wiper blade connector includes a hook end stop providedproximate the bottom surface and distanced from the rivet cutout, thehook end stop positioned so as to abut the end of a hook-style wiperarm.
 3. The wiper blade connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the topsurface of the side walls at the first portion of the wiper bladeconnector are downwardly angled with respect to the top surface of theside walls at the center portion of the wiper blade connector, and thetop surface of the side walls at the center portion of the wiper bladeconnector is co-planar with the top portion of side walls at the secondportion of the wiper blade connector, wherein the bottom surface of theside walls at the first portion of the wiper blade connector arecoplanar with the bottom surface of the side walls at the center portionof the wiper blade connector, and the bottom surface of the side wallsat the center portion of the wiper blade connector are at a differentelevation than the bottom surface of the side walls at the secondportion of the wiper blade connector, and wherein an underside of the atleast one wing is coplanar with the bottom surface of the side walls atthe second portion of the wiper blade connector.
 4. The wiper bladeconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the wiper blade connector coverfurther includes at least one rear cover tab provided on the firstportion of the wiper blade connector cover, and the wiper bladeconnector further includes an outward protrusion extending from an outersurface of one of the connector side walls, wherein the at least onerear cover tab is engageable with a bottom side of the protrusion whenthe cover is in the closed position.
 5. The wiper blade connectorassembly of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the wiper bladeconnector includes a pair of connector cover receiving holes and thefirst portion of the wiper blade connector cover includes a pair ofconnector hole rods projecting inwardly and engageable with theconnector cover receiving holes.
 6. The wiper blade connector assemblyof claim 1, wherein an underside of the wiper blade connector coverincludes a hook stop.
 7. The wiper blade connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the wiper blade connector cover includes a bottom surface at afirst elevation at the first portion of the wiper blade connector coverand at a second elevation at the second portion of the wiper bladeconnector cover.
 8. The wiper blade connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the wiper blade connector cover includes a button cantileveredto a top surface of the wiper blade connector cover, and a distal edgeof the button projects upward from the top surface of the wiper bladeconnector cover and includes a chamfered surface.
 9. The wiper bladeconnector assembly of claim 1, the wiper blade connector including anadditional wing provided proximate to the opposite side wall of the pairof side walls, and the connector cover including an additional connectorcover tab engageable with the additional wing to secure the wiper bladeconnector cover in a closed position.
 10. The wiper blade connectorassembly of claim 9, wherein the wing and additional wing have twodifferent dimensions.
 11. The wiper blade of claim 10, wherein the wingprojects a first distance and the additional wing projects a seconddistance that is greater than the first distance.
 12. The wiper blade ofclaim 10, wherein the wing includes a rounded corner and the additionalwing includes a more rectangular corner than the rounded corner of thewing.
 13. The wiper blade of claim 9, wherein the shelf is integratedwith the wing and additional wing.
 14. The wiper blade of claim 9,wherein the shelf is cantilevered to the wiper blade connector andmovable while the wing and additional wing remains stationary.
 15. Awiper blade assembly connectable with a wiper arm, the wiper bladeassembly comprising: a wiper blade support structure; and a wiper bladeconnector assembly for connecting the wiper blade support structure withthe wiper arm, the wiper blade connector assembly comprising: a wiperblade connector having a first portion, a second portion longitudinallyopposed to the first portion, and a center portion defined between thefirst and second portions, the wiper blade connector including a pair ofside walls extending along at least some of the first, second, andcenter portions, each side wall having a top surface and a bottomsurface, a connector channel defined between the pair of side walls onthe second portion of the wiper blade connector, the connector channeldimensioned to accommodate at least a portion of the wiper arm, a rivetcutout provided proximate the bottom surface dimensioned to accommodatea rivet on the wiper blade support structure, and a shelf provided onthe second portion of the wiper blade connector, the shelf including acenter section aligned with the connector channel and a wing providedproximate to one of the side walls; and a wiper blade connector coverhaving a first portion and a second portion longitudinally opposed tothe first portion, the first portion of the wiper blade connector coverpivotable with respect to the first portion of the wiper bladeconnector, and the second portion of the wiper blade connector coverincludes at least one connector cover tab engageable with the wing tosecure the wiper blade connector cover in a closed position.
 16. Thewiper blade assembly of claim 15, wherein the top surface of the sidewalls at the first portion of the wiper blade connector are downwardlyangled with respect to the top surface of the side walls at the centerportion of the wiper blade connector, and the top surface of the sidewalls at the center portion of the wiper blade connector is co-planarwith the top portion of side walls at the second portion of the wiperblade connector, wherein the bottom surface of the side walls at thefirst portion of the wiper blade connector are coplanar with the bottomsurface of the side walls at the center portion of the wiper bladeconnector, and the bottom surface of the side walls at the centerportion of the wiper blade connector are at a different elevation thanthe bottom surface of the side walls at the second portion of the wiperblade connector, and wherein an underside of the at least one wing iscoplanar with the bottom surface of the side walls at the second portionof the wiper blade connector.
 17. The wiper blade assembly of claim 15,wherein the wiper blade connector cover further includes at least onerear cover tab provided on the first portion of the wiper bladeconnector cover, and the wiper blade connector further includes anoutward protrusion extending from an outer surface of one of theconnector side walls, wherein the at least one rear cover tab isengageable with a bottom side of the protrusion when the cover is in theclosed position.
 18. The wiper blade assembly of claim 15, wherein thefirst portion of the wiper blade connector includes a pair of connectorcover receiving holes and the first portion of the wiper blade connectorcover includes a pair of connector hole rods projecting inwardly andengageable with the connector cover receiving holes.
 19. The wiper bladeassembly of claim 15, the wiper blade connector including an additionalwing provided proximate to the opposite side wall of the pair of sidewalls, and the connector cover including an additional connector covertab engageable with the additional wing to secure the wiper bladeconnector cover in a closed position.
 20. The wiper blade connectorassembly of claim 19, wherein the wing and additional wing have twodifferent dimensions.